The Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE hair transplant procedures are treatments that are designed to assist people by adding hair to areas across the scalp that are balding or thinning caused by excess hair loss. This method involves the extraction of follicular units that are taken from areas of hair that are genetically stronger, one hair at a time. From here the hair is implanted into a bald or thinning area of the person’s scalp. This is a technique that is also used to hide scars, rebuild eyebrows, and more. 

At this stage, FUE is regarded as a hair transplant method that is the most advanced when it comes to aesthetic medicine. It also provides a more natural-looking result. The procedure involves local anesthesia and is usually painless and non-invasive. The recovery of the patient is often quick and easy according to Los Angeles Hair Institute

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For FUE?

The FUE method is ideal for women and men that are experiencing hair loss in excess (caused by male pattern baldness) or those with alopecia. In most cases, hair follicles in a state of good health are extracted from other areas of the scalp where the hair is growing abundantly and then implanted into the area that is bald or where the hair is thinning. The end result is aimed at restoring a head of full and thick hair, without balding areas or thinning, and a hairline that looks natural. 

What Does An FUE Procedure Entail?

An FUE transplant is a non-invasive technique that involves the use of a local anesthetic. The entire procedure can take as long as 8 hours and the risks of complications are typically minimal. 

The first step of the process is known as the “extraction stage”, where each hair is removed individually. The hairs are extracted under a strong microscope to promote precision. The hairs are removed using a very thin caliper (less than 1mm in diameter). 

The second step is known as the “implantation stage” where each hair is implanted into the hairless areas across the scalp. The transplant area will be constantly moistened and cleaned using a specialized solution that assists with inserting the new follicles. 

How To Prepare For A Hair Transplant

Before the procedure is carried out, specific protocols are followed. The doctor will first take photographs of the balding or thinning areas so that after the procedure you can see the changes and the result. You will also need to shave the area of your scalp undergoing the treatment before the day of the procedure.  

What Will Happen After The Transplant?

After the procedure, the surgeon will carry out necessary checks to make sure your transplant procedure was a success. On completion of the procedure, all the treated areas are thoroughly but gently washed.

You may experience slight bruising and swelling, which is very normal, yet the levels of severity will depend on the individual and the type of medication that they take once the procedure is over. Many people are able to go back to work directly after the procedure, but the swelling and bruising will take about a week to subside. 

You will also be given a special shampoo that has been prescribed by dermatologists that you need to use during the 1st week. For the two weeks that follow you will need to avoid strenuous exercise or any activities that involve being underwater. 

When Can I Expect To See Results?

Full results could take as long as 12 months to start showing, but in most cases, the results typically become evident within 9 months.